Celtic v Rangers: Hoops coach John Kennedy confident ahead of derby

Image: John Kennedy and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers

Celtic defensive coach John Kennedy believes the players are well prepared to stretch their unbeaten start to the league campaign on Saturday.

The Hoops are sitting at the top of the table having won all three of their Premiership games ahead of Saturday's visit from Rangers.

And with a Champions League trip to Barcelona awaiting Celtic next week, Brendan Rodgers will be looking for his team can go to the Nou Camp on the back of a win over their Glasgow rivals.

Leigh Griffiths and Kieran Tierney are being monitored ahead of the match after pulling out of the Scotland squad with injuries, and Kennedy is hopeful both will be available for selection.

Image: Leigh Griffiths scores his seventh goal of the season against title challengers Aberdeen

Kennedy said: "Kieran Tierney and Leigh Griffiths are pretty positive. As the week progresses we'll see how they are.

Advertisement

"Treatment and rehab are going well. We're pretty confident but don't want to commit."

Celtic have won all five of their home games in the Champions League qualifiers, Premiership and League Cup this season, scoring 19 times in the process.

Also See:

Three months' half-price Sky Sports

Watch live Premier League football, the Ryder Cup and F1

And Griffiths, who netted 31 of his 40 goals last season in the league, took his tally in the current campaign to seven with a strike in the 4-1 victory over main Premiership challengers Aberdeen last month.

"That's what he gives you. He's one of the best players on the pitch," Kennedy said

Saturday sees the first Old Firm meeting in the Scottish Premiership for four years - Celtic take on Rangers live on Sky Sports

"Leigh's done very well and he's a natural goal scorer. He'll be doing all he can to be fit.

"We're confident and that's the most important thing.

Image: Griffths (left) and Kieran Tierney celkebrate as Celtic secure Champions League football

"We've qualified for the Champions League , we are in the next stage of the cup and won all our matches in the league.

"We have a fit squad and confidence is massive in this good run of form, and we will take the game by the scruff of the neck.

"It's a team game and the boys that are here are doing a terrific job. It's important we are disciplined, organised and focus on the game plan."
Outbrain